Real Estate's Toronto stop began with an opening set by Toronto three-piece RatTail, who both excited and shocked the crowd with their eccentric brand of indie pop. Their songs throbbed and folded over themselves in what seemed to be awkward breakdowns, but later revealed themselves as planned displays of control. The abrasive yet lovable tunes inspired an increase in both temperature and head count in the cramped Garrison.
Next up, Mississippi's Dent May brought his off-brand form of nostalgic pop music, sans ukulele. The tracks he and his band performed took on a groovy and funk-based vibe in a live setting, with no shortage of sugary melodies. Dent May introduced a song by stating it "was meant to be played at a wedding reception," causing the rest of the performance to take on the characteristics of some tacky '90s hangover, but in a good way.
By the time Real Estate took the stage, the Garrison had already reached a ridiculously high temperature, but the sweaty glaze that encompassed the crowd was characteristic of the summery music being performed. By way of warning, lead singer Martin Courtney announced the show would be laden with songs from their yet-to-be-released new album, Days, but all of the expected songs were performed.
"Fake Blues" was met with a warm reception and was followed by a slew of new material that displayed a strong sense of confidence. The newer songs utilized unexplored song structures and effects for the band, but still held the chime-y and reverb-laden traits that define Real Estate. Slow-burning tracks like "Black Lake" and "Suburban Beverage" also gave the crowd time to shift into a sticky daze as the mid-song jams progressed. Glow sticks, which caught the fancy of bassist Alex Bleeker and many concertgoers, flew through the air in time to the opening notes of "Beach Comber" and Real Estate's newest single "It's Real."
The show was relaxing, but held just enough upbeat moments to keep the crowd dancing and unaware of the crippling heat wave surrounding them.
Next up, Mississippi's Dent May brought his off-brand form of nostalgic pop music, sans ukulele. The tracks he and his band performed took on a groovy and funk-based vibe in a live setting, with no shortage of sugary melodies. Dent May introduced a song by stating it "was meant to be played at a wedding reception," causing the rest of the performance to take on the characteristics of some tacky '90s hangover, but in a good way.
By the time Real Estate took the stage, the Garrison had already reached a ridiculously high temperature, but the sweaty glaze that encompassed the crowd was characteristic of the summery music being performed. By way of warning, lead singer Martin Courtney announced the show would be laden with songs from their yet-to-be-released new album, Days, but all of the expected songs were performed.
"Fake Blues" was met with a warm reception and was followed by a slew of new material that displayed a strong sense of confidence. The newer songs utilized unexplored song structures and effects for the band, but still held the chime-y and reverb-laden traits that define Real Estate. Slow-burning tracks like "Black Lake" and "Suburban Beverage" also gave the crowd time to shift into a sticky daze as the mid-song jams progressed. Glow sticks, which caught the fancy of bassist Alex Bleeker and many concertgoers, flew through the air in time to the opening notes of "Beach Comber" and Real Estate's newest single "It's Real."
The show was relaxing, but held just enough upbeat moments to keep the crowd dancing and unaware of the crippling heat wave surrounding them.